NHS Tayside has been cleared over its handling of a complaint about a terminally ill patient who fell out of bed at Ninewells Hospital.
The man, who has been identified only as Mr C, had been put in a side room. He fell out of bed and died later that day.
His wife complained to the Scottish public services ombudsman that staff should have kept a better watch on him, as he had lain on the floor for some time.
She felt the level of investigation of her complaint was inadequate.
The ombudsman said: “In response to her complaint the board had apologised that the level of observation carried out on Mr C overnight was inadequate and said that they had reminded staff of their responsibilities.
“They also explained that Mr C was assessed as at low risk of falling and when he was discovered on the floor he was examined by a doctor and put back to bed.
“Mr C had been placed in the side room for privacy and to allow the family flexibility in visiting.
“We did not uphold the complaint, as we found that the board had properly investigated Mrs C’s concerns.”
